{"id":112576,"date":"2025-10-09T15:48:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T15:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandas-rwf400bn-plan-to-curb-biodiversity-loss"},"modified":"2025-10-09T17:06:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T17:06:18","slug":"rwandas-rwf400bn-plan-to-curb-biodiversity-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/rwandas-rwf400bn-plan-to-curb-biodiversity-loss","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda’s Rwf400bn Plan to Curb Biodiversity Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The government has launched a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), expected to cost Rwf399.8 billion from 2025 to 2030.<\/p>\n

Developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the plan complies with Article 6, according to Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).<\/p>\n

The CBD is an international treaty adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n

In 2022, the convention parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), setting targets for 2030, including protecting 30% of the planet\u2019s land and oceans.<\/p>\n

Participants follow Minister of Environment, Bernadette Arakwiye’s remarks at the launch.<\/p>\n

\u201cRwanda continues to advance its commitments under the CBD. Article 6 requires countries to develop National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and integrate biodiversity conservation into national policies,\u201d Kabera said.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s 2025\u20132030 strategy outlines 22 national targets, integrated across sectors.<\/p>\n

Here are 22 national targets<\/p>\n

1. Close to zero biodiversity loss<\/b><\/p>\n

By 2030, land use planning and management will ensure biodiversity loss is close to zero.<\/p>\n

2. Restore degraded lands, inland waters by 10%<\/b><\/p>\n

The government will restore degraded lands and inland waters by at least 10% by 2030. The Climate, Environment and Natural Resources Sector Strategic Plan (2024\u20132029) aims to increase restored area from 332,861 ha to 600,000 ha.<\/p>\n

3. Conservation of terrestrial and inland water areas<\/b><\/p>\n

By 2030, 11% of land and inland water areas will be conserved through protected areas. Protected areas currently cover 9.1% of Rwanda.<\/p>\n

4. Halting the extinction of threatened species<\/b><\/p>\n

Conservation efforts will be enhanced to improve biodiversity, halt species extinction, and manage human-wildlife conflict.<\/p>\n

5. Curb illegal harvesting of wild species<\/b><\/p>\n

Rwanda will sustainably manage wild species on all lands and eliminate illegal harvesting.<\/p>\n

6. Controlling invasive alien species by 50%<\/b><\/p>\n

Invasive alien species will be reduced by 50% in protected areas by 2030. A 2016 REMA study identified 47 such species in Rwanda.<\/p>\n

7. Reduce major pollutants from agriculture<\/b><\/p>\n

Pollutants from agriculture, industry, and mining will be reduced to non-harmful levels for biodiversity through efficient nutrient cycling and reduced pesticide use.<\/p>\n

8. Minimise the impacts of climate change on biodiversity<\/b><\/p>\n

The strategy will build resilience to climate change through expanded nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions in vulnerable areas.<\/p>\n

9. Sustainable management and use of wild species<\/b><\/p>\n

Wild species will be managed sustainably to protect biodiversity and benefit communities.<\/p>\n

10. Management of areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry<\/b><\/p>\n

Agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry areas will adopt biodiversity-friendly practices. Conservation agriculture will expand by 22,000 ha as per PSTA 5.<\/p>\n

11. Ecosystem services<\/b><\/p>\n

Ecosystem services will be restored and enhanced through nature-based solutions to improve human well-being and sustainability.<\/p>\n

12. Improving urban green spaces<\/b><\/p>\n

Urban planning will increase green spaces using native species, supporting biodiversity and urban well-being.<\/p>\n

13. Benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources<\/b><\/p>\n

Legal frameworks will ensure fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge.<\/p>\n

14. Integration in policies, laws<\/b><\/p>\n

Biodiversity values will be integrated into laws, regulations, plans, and decision-making across all sectors.<\/p>\n

15. Financial institutions’ role<\/b><\/p>\n

Large businesses and financial institutions in Rwanda will assess, disclose, and reduce biodiversity-related risks and impacts.<\/p>\n

16. Reducing waste<\/b><\/p>\n

Sectors will implement sustainable production and consumption strategies to reduce waste and overconsumption.<\/p>\n

17. Biosafety measures in place<\/b><\/p>\n

Capacity will be strengthened for biosafety and sustainable use of biotechnology products and services.<\/p>\n

18. Identify possible harmful incentives and subsidies<\/b><\/p>\n

Harmful incentives that damage biodiversity will be identified, while positive incentives will be promoted.<\/p>\n

19. $500m to be mobilised<\/b><\/p>\n

Rwanda will mobilise $500 million from public and private sources and align financial flows with biodiversity goals.<\/p>\n

20. Technology transfer<\/b><\/p>\n

Capacity-building, technology transfer, research, and communication will be enhanced to support biodiversity efforts.<\/p>\n

21. Data<\/b><\/p>\n

Biodiversity data will be made accessible and used to guide conservation and sustainable use.<\/p>\n

22. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities involved<\/b><\/p>\n

All stakeholders, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, will participate in biodiversity-related decision-making, respecting traditional knowledge.<\/p>\n

Economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services<\/b><\/p>\n

The strategy is based on the economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in protected areas, showing significant national benefits.<\/p>\n

Nyungwe National Park was valued at $4.8 billion in 2014. Rugezi Wetlands had a Total Monetary Value of $374 million, while the Mukura Landscape was estimated at $1.4 million annually.<\/p>\n

An assessment of the Akagera Wetland Complex found annual benefits of $12 million and a carbon storage stock value of $1.1 billion.<\/p>\n

The Kigali City Wetlands Complex provides $22 million annually in provisioning services and $499,000 in regulating services. Tourism and recreation in this complex have an estimated annual value of $83,333.<\/p>\n

One of biodiversity’s largest contributions to Rwanda\u2019s economy is through ecotourism. Tourism remains a key sector for sustainable development and income generation.<\/p>\n\r\n